The Goonz

When vocalist/guitarist Chris Wright’s grandparents house went up for sale, he and then-drummer Joey Artino used the place as a practice space to form the Goonz. After playing one show as a duo, guitarist Michael Barber jumped onboard, Kris Monroe took over as drummer and Artino switched to bass. “This band came together for no other reason than a couple of friends drinking beers and acquiring noise violations,” says Wright. The Cleveland hard rockers started taking themselves more seriously when they realized they had a fanbase, and the talent to stand out in the local scene and make a name for themselves.